It's Award Season in Lacombe & District, and We Want to Hear From You!

There's a certain kind of energy that shows up in Lacombe every fall. Maybe you've felt it too. The leaves start to turn, the Chamber office gets a little busier, and business owners across town start whispering to each other, "did you nominate so-and-so yet?"

That's right. Nominations are officially open for our Business Awards season, and we could not be more excited.

Why This Matters

Every single day, small business owners across Lacombe & District are unlocking their doors, taking risks, and pouring themselves into work that makes our community better. Most days, nobody's cheering them on. Running a business is hard. It's easy to feel like no one sees the long hours, the tough decisions, and the quiet sacrifices that keep the lights on.

That's exactly why this matters. A nomination reminds a business owner that their work is seen. It reminds them they're valued. And honestly, it reminds all of us what's happening right in our own backyard. When we celebrate our own, people shop and invest closer to home, and that strengthens our whole local economy.

So if there's a business, a farm family, a non-profit, or a local hero who's been going above and beyond, now's your chance to say so.

Two Galas, Two Chances to Celebrate

This year we're hosting two celebrations.

The Lacombe & District Business Awards Gala takes over the Lacombe Memorial Centre on October 23rd with a Masquerade Ball theme. Nominations close September 1st, so don't wait too long.

Categories include Best Young Entrepreneur, Best Not-for-Profit, Best New Business, Best Small Business, Best Medium Business, Best Large Business, Best Home-Based Business, Best Business in Lacombe County, Community Champion, Employer of Choice, People's Choice for Customer Service, Lifetime Business Achievement, Farm Family of the Year, the Dawn Parent Legacy Award, and Digital Presence.

The Blackfalds Business Awards Gala follows on December 4th with a Winter Stardust theme. Nominations for this one close October 1st.

Categories there include Young Entrepreneur of the Year, New Business of the Year, Home-Based Business of the Year, Small Business of the Year, Medium Business of the Year, Large Business of the Year, Non-Profit Organization of the Year, Community Champion, Customer Service Excellence, Employer of Choice, Digital Presence, and a brand new one this year, Neighbourhood Favourite.

Some Inspiration, If You Need It

Not sure who to nominate? Think about the coffee shop that always remembers your order. The contractor who showed up early and stayed late. The farm family who's been feeding this community for generations. The business that quietly writes a cheque every time a local team needs new jerseys.

We've seen incredible stories come through these categories over the years. Businesses like Cilantro and Chive, who've given back more than $200,000 to local causes through their Burger of the Month program. Families like the Kraays, whose corn maze has been bringing this community together for over two decades. Businesses like Lacombe Ford, who show up for youth sports and charitable causes again and again without being asked.

Somewhere in Lacombe or Blackfalds right now, there's a business or a person doing something just as good, and they don't even know they're award-worthy yet. That's where you come in.

How to Nominate

It only takes a few minutes. Visit lacombechamber.ca for the full nomination criteria for each category.

Take a moment this season to recognize the local business owner in your life. It matters more than you think.

We can't wait to see who you nominate.